Leading the MVP race in UAAP women's basketball for the second year in a row, Ateneo center Kacey dela Rosa says she doesn’t need to do anything special to help the Blue Eagles.
Kacey Dela Rosa has been steady as she can be for the Ateneo Blue Eagles, as she tallied her 10th double-double in just as many games in UAAP Season 87.
Though the Blue Eagles have been a little shaky in their campaign with an even 5-5 slate midway through the second round, Dela Rosa has been nothing but reliable for LA Mumar.
But for Dela Rosa, it isn’t about a specific secret or routine to be able to come out with those numbers game in, game out.
Rather, it’s been all about keeping it simple and focusing on her love of the game.
“Always sinasabi ni coach [LA] sa amin na to enjoy the game. Kasi kung ine-enjoy mo 'yung paglalaro ng basketball, malalabas mo 'yung totoong laro mo,” said Dela Rosa.
After finding themselves in a three-game slump heading into their rivalry match against the DLSU Lady Archers on Saturday morning, Dela Rosa came out with another MVP-worthy performance of 28 points and 16 rebounds to lead them to the 70-57 win on Saturday.
Though technically sweeping their season series against their storied foes, the Blue Eagles admittedly played with a chip on their shoulder.
For Dela Rosa in particular, the mindset was to win no matter what. Not only did Ateneo need the win, it was also against their long-time rivals.
“Yung mindset lang namin coming into the game, kasi di ba we almost lost to La Salle last round? So kahit na nanalo kami last round, syempre inisip namin na we needed to bounce back. Come back stronger,” said the leading MVP candidate.
“Kailangan namin matalo ang La Salle kasi nga, rivalry game [and] it’s important for us,” she added.
Apart from Dela Rosa, Ateneo rookie Kai Oani provided a spark from the backcourt with 17 points built on five three-pointers.
But with the Final Four spot still on the line, the Blue Eagles will continue to tread past every game like it’s make-or-break.
And with the UP Fighting Maroons slated as Ateneo's next assignment, it might just be what decides the Final Four picture.
Currently, the Maroons are one of the bottom half teams that can still go for a semis spot at 3-5. Already at 5-5, Ateneo can create distance should they take their second round meeting.
The Battle of Katipunan on the women’s side happens on Wednesday, October 30, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.